All you need is a business plan...

If you're like most people, you've never written a business plan before. A consultant seems like a natural solution: hire a professional to do the job you don't have the time or experience to do yourself, right? Well, maybe. Before I tell you about the secret weapon most consultants use to write your plan, let me give you some things to think about if you're getting ready to hire a consultant.

• You get what you pay for. A good business plan writer charges at least $100 per hour. Anyone who promises to write your plan for $400 or less either isn't qualified to do it or isn't spending the time on your plan that your business deserves.
• Don't expect results overnight. The consultant you hire is going to have to study your business, your location, and your industry. He's going to need to interview you and learn your goals. All that is going to take time. Time you're paying for.
• One size doesn't fit all. Your business is unique, so you need to find the right consultant for you. Take time and research consultants carefully. Make sure they have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Find somebody who's done plans for other businesses like yours, preferably in your industry. http://www.myownbusiness.org/s2/#3-